On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Sheriff Deputies and Posse members gathered at the Viking Drive Substation and loaded up their units with food boxes that were prepared for the Spirit of Christmas Food Box Drive. The Spirit of Christmas Food Drive, which is part of the Sheriff’s Office Operation Blessing Food Bank, delivered 400 boxes of food to needy families, just in time for the Christmas holiday.

The food for the donations was donated and collected from 33 Bossier Parish Schools, organizations, and drop-off sites in the parish. Brookshires Grocery Store of Benton also helped provide food for the drive.

“It is such a pleasure to partner with two great organizations who can be counted on each year to support this worthy cause,” said Sheriff Whittington.

“I am proud that our students and their families believe in this cause and are so willing to donate every year,” said Mitch Downey, Superintendent of Bossier Parish Schools.

“These donations will go to supply the food pantry with enough supplies for the next six months,” said Captain Doug Lauter. “We just want to thank all the families and organizations that donated to help the less fortunate here in our parish.”

Operation Blessing was developed in 1998 the day before Thanksgiving. It is not just a holiday food program. The program operates year-round. It features a food bank and is staffed by the Bossier Sheriff’s Office Posse and Auxiliary volunteers. The food bank is a nonprofit corporation that operates without tax dollars. Its cost is underwritten by area businesses and private citizens who share our conviction that we are to help those who can’t help themselves.

Operation Blessing continues to assist the needy and elderly year-round in the area. The food bank is operated Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 1518 Cox St., Bossier City (formerly Charlotte Ann Mitchell Educational Center). For more information, or to apply for qualification, call (318) 965-3500.